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It's official, Cardinal Mahony is in Rome, blogging

Cardinal Mahony is in Rome, blogging about the new mood there. Mahony made the trip amid scandal regarding his involvement in the concealment of child sex abuse cases from law enforcement. Mahony will now participate the in conclave to elect the next pope.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Saying the mood in Rome is different than in 2005, Mahony has announced his arrival in Rome via his personal blog. Mahony reports that the mood in 2005 was "somber and sad" whereas now the mood is different since "we have not 'lost' Benedict."

Mahony says there is "great anticipation and expectation everywhere."

Undoubtedly, his presence in Rome will anger and disappoint many who feel he should not be performing duties there. Mahony has already been told not to perform public duties in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. However, he "remains a priest in good standing" according to the Archdiocese and he is fully permitted to participate in the papal conclave.

On Saturday, Mahony was presented with a petition of nearly 10,000 signatures from Catholics United, a non-partisan group that feels cardinal Mahony should not be travelling to Rome.

Although Cardinal Mahony has not been charged with any crime, it is common knowledge that he failed to report cases of child abuse at the hands of priests to the civil authorities, preferring instead to handle the cases by ordering counseling and transfers for the priests involved.

Mahony has said he was not equipped to deal with such cases.

Mahony remains a subject of interest to authorities in the U.S. as they continue to delve into the precise role that he played in effectively protecting pedophile priests. Although no criminal charges appear forthcoming, they do remain a possibility.

In the meantime, Mahony has appealed for forgiveness and healing, and continues to do so via his blog as the Church begins the transaction to new leadership.